Total to invests €160mn in Carling petrochemical platform

Total plans indeed to develop new activities on the platform in the growing markets for hydrocarbon resins (Cray Valley) and for polymers, while shutting down the acutely loss-making steam cracker* in the second half of 2015.

In this way, Carling will become a leading European center in the hydrocarbon resins and polymers market.

“Total has a project for the future of the Carling petrochemical platform and the surrounding region,” explains Patrick Pouyanné, President Refining & Chemicals and member of the Executive Committee of Total.

“The European petrochemicals market is facing continued overcapacity and growing international competition. In such context, it is our industrial responsibility to anticipate and adapt our production capacities to demand. Our project for Carling will leverage the platform’s strengths, its industrial capabilities and the expertise of its teams in order to develop a profitable production facility.

“By making Carling the European center for the hydrocarbon resin business and a leading European polymers plant as part of an extensive investment plan, we are confirming our willingness to maintain sustainable industrial activities in France while investing in promising markets. Total is bringing a new ambition to Carling.”

The Carling platform will become the European center for Cray Valley hydrocarbon resins. The platform will host:

-The European decision-making center.
-The European Research & Development activities.
- A new production unit for Ricon and Krasol (C4 resins), designed to capture the growth in demand for touch screen additives, high performance tires and lubricants.
-The existing Norsolene (C9 resins) unit for adhesives will be transformed to produce high-quality Waterwhite transparent resins.